“The Raising of Lazarus,” created by Orthodox Icons circa 1400, belongs to the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance art movement (c. 1261–1453). This iconographic piece, part of the Evangelical cycle, is displayed in the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The central figure, Jesus, is portrayed with a radiant halo, emphasizing his divine nature. He is shown gesturing towards Lazarus, who appears on the right side, wrapped in burial cloths, signifying his resurrection. Surrounding Jesus are his disciples, depicted in a range of emotional expressions, from curiosity to amazement. The background showcases a desolate, rocky landscape leading to the city, a typical setting for Byzantine icons to represent the miracle’s isolation and divine intervention. The use of gold leaf in the background highlights the spiritual significance of the event, providing a heavenly backdrop that illuminates the scene. The meticulous detailing of the figures, their clothing, and the surrounding elements underscores the artwork’s rich iconographic tradition, rooted in deep religious and cultural symbolism.
